Can Ryan Seacrest Sue Sacha Baron Cohen?

How many of you wish that you, too, could throw the fake ashes of Kim Jung-Il in Ryan Seacrest's face?

Sacha Baron Cohen's red carpet stunt was perhaps the unofficial highlight of last night's Academy Awards. Dressed as a generic dictator, the comedian approached Seacrest with an urn containing the North Korean leader's fake ashes. He then purposely spilled them all over the E! host.

People now want to know if Ryan Seacrest can sue Sacha Baron Cohen for the prank.

Image Credit: bumpshack.com

Seacrest can probably sue Baron Cohen for civil assault, which occurs when a defendant intentionally causes the plaintiff to be in fear of harmful or offensive contact. The plaintiff must have been in actual fear that such contact was imminent.

While tossing powder on Ryan Seacrest wasn't harmful, it was offensive by societal standards. And Seacrest has repeatedly said he knew something was coming, especially when he saw the urn getting closer to his chest. These facts seem to fit the legal requirements for an assault claim.

And if Seacrest can sue for assault, he can sue for battery. Battery occurs when an individual intentionally makes harmful or offensive contact with another's body. There's no doubt the comedian and his fake ashes were all up in Seacrest's personal space.

If the above claims fail, Ryan Seacrest can still sue Sacha Baron Cohen for the cost of replacing, or dry-cleaning, his tuxedo. If you intentionally or negligently damage another person's property, you're on the hook for any resulting costs.

So yes, Ryan Seacrest can sue Sacha Baron Cohen. However, it's unlikely that he will. There was so little damage done that legal action probably isn't worth his time or money. But it sure would be fun to see them actually face off in court, now wouldn't it?

source: http://blogs.findlaw.com

Malaysian national football team arrives in Philippines

MANILA, Philippines – The Malaysian national football team has arrived in the Philippines two days before they are set to take on the Philippine Azkals in a friendly match.

The Azkals are expected to have a tough time against the Malaysians when they play on Wednesday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Image Credit: kyspeaks.com

Malaysia was the champion of the 2010 AFC Suzuki Cup and are ranked 150 by FIFA, while the Azkals are ranked 156th.

Meanwhile, Azkals first choice goal keeper Neil Etheridge also arrived in the Philippines from England last Sunday.

Rob Gier and Ray Johnsson are also expected to arrive from Europe. All three players are expected to play against Malaysia on Wednesday.

source: ABS-CBN

Marian Rivera among Top 10 International Beauties of 2012 (Philippines)

A popular blog has listed actress Marian Rivera among the Top 10 International Beauties of 2012. Although the ranking wasn’t arrived at scientifically, the blog says the ladies were categorized “by celebrity status.”

Image Credit: Cool Buster

Apart from being a popular movie and television actress, the blog also described Marian as “a successful model and one of the top product endorsers in the Philippines.”

The Kapuso actress landed at the ninth spot in the list, which is topped by Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, an English model and actress who starred in the Hollywood blockbuster movie “Transformers: Dark of the Moon.”

Here’s the complete list according to toptenz.net:

1. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley
2. Lara Stone
3. Miranda Kerr
4. Irina Shayk
5. Katrina Kaif
6. Cheryl Cole
7. Shakira
8. Laetitia Casta
9. Marian Rivera
10. Leryn Franco

source: CoolBuster

Euro 2012 - Northern Ireland duo ruled out

Defender Craig Cathcart and striker Warren Feeney have withdrawn from the Northern Ireland squad to face Norway at Windsor Park on Wednesday.

The pair were part of manager Michael O'Neill's first 24-man squad since taking over from Nigel Worthington, but were ruled out with injuries as the players met up for training in Belfast.

Image Credit: http://d.yimg.com

Blackpool's Cathcart, a strong contender to start the match, has a hamstring complaint, while Plymouth forward Feeney failed to overcome a calf problem.

No replacements have yet been named but with the under-21 side not in action this week, O'Neill has several options should he wish to strengthen his squad.

source: http://www.independent.ie

Hot Tub On Roof Of University Of Michigan Building Is Mystery

Officials are puzzled over a mysterious hot tub that was installed -- and then removed -- from the roof of a building on the University of Michigan campus in Ann Arbor.

But a group of "creative" students are believed to be the culprits, Computer Science and Engineering building spokesman Steven Crang told AnnArbor.com on Friday.

Image Credit: huffingtonpost.com

Initially reported by the Michigan Daily campus newspaper, the hot tub first was noticed Saturday, had visitors and was gone by Monday night.

"People were kind of flabbergasted," Crang said. "It was obviously unexpected. It was pretty creative and now it's gone. It left a buzz in its wake."

Despite its short stay, students called the hot tub the Bob and Betty Beyster Bubbler after the couple who donated $15 million to the school. The building is named after them.

The philanthropic couple "found it amusing," Crang said.

"It's apparently people who are close to the department because they were able to gain access to the building and install the tub," he said of whoever installed it. "The thing that intrigued everyone was that it was on the fourth-floor balcony. It's a large hot tub and the doors that lead out to the balcony are not real big, so they had to do some work to get it out there."

source: http://www.foxnews.com

Is Mr. Bean is dead or alive? - Latest Update

 MANILA, Philippines -- Rumors that British actor Rowan Atkinson, who is best known for his role as Mr. Bean, had died was quickly debunked as a hoax on Sunday but not before it went viral on Twitter.

The Internet hoax started after a Filipino, Michael Robert Meras, posted the message: "RIP Rowan Atkinson" in his Twitter account. His single post quickly became viral as Twitter users used the hashtag RIP Rowan Atkinson to express their condolences.

Image Credit: prawnandquartered.wordpress.com

Meras later said the post was a joke that went viral.

"I never thought my tweet about RIP Rowan Atkinson would be that viral, it has gone worldwide. It was just a joke. Galit na sa akin ngayon ang buong mundo, baka ma-ireport na Twitter ko </3 Hay! Gagawa ako ng Twitter kong bago if ever mabura siya dahil sa reports," he said in his Facebook account.

He later explained that he saw the "RIP Rowan Atkinson" message on Facebook and decided to repost in on Twitter. He added: "I'm so over it, let's move on :)"

Atkinson is just the latest celebrity to have been the victims of Internet hoaxes. Jacky Chan, Jon Bon Jovi, Charlie Sheen and Adam Sandler are among a growing list of stars to have been "killed off" in cyberspace.

source: ABS-CBN News

Kindergarten now mandatory for Philippine public school children

MANILA, Philippines - Attending kindergarten for public school children is now a prerequisite for Grade 1 following the passage of Republic Act 10157 or the Kindergarten Education Act.

The law provides for free one-year public kindergarten education for children at least five years old starting school year 2012-2013.
 

Image Credit: talakayanatkalusugan.com

“Ibig-sabihin, lahat ng mga mag-aaral sa mga pampublikong paaralan, simula sa darating na School Year 2012-2013, ay kailangan nang dumaan sa preschool bilang panimula ng kanilang pormal na pag-aaral,” President Aquino said during the formal presentation of the law in Malacañang. 

The law was signed by the President last January 20.

“Kindergarten education is hereby institutionalized as part of basic education and for school year 2011-2012 shall be implemented partially, and thereafter, it shall be made mandatory and compulsory for entrance to Grade 1,” the law states.

“The DepEd shall immediately include in the program of the Department the operationalization of the free, mandatory and compulsory public kindergarten education, the initial funding of which shall be charged against the current appropriations for kindergarten education of the DepEd. Thereafter, such sums which shall be necessary for the continued implementation of the free public kindergarten education program shall be charged to the General Fund and included in the annual General Appropriations Act.”

Aquino said that the law will help strengthen the basic education program and achieve 100 percent primary education by 2015 as one of the Millennium Development Goals.

source: ABS-CBN

Anil Ambani walks Oscar red carpet, his `The Help` gets statuette

Los Angeles: Reliance Group chairman Anil Ambani walked the red carpet at the 84th Academy Awards at the Kodak Theater here Sunday, where three films produced by DreamWorks Studios, his co-venture with Steven Speilberg, were nominated for 11 Oscars.

Among the 11 nominations, Octavia Spencer fetched the Oscar for best supporting actress for her performance in "The Help". Spencer was honoured with the golden statuette for her portrayal of big-mouthed maid Minny in 'The Help'.

Image Credit: http://zns.india.com

Other than `The Help`, two other films of Reliance DreamWorks - `War Horse` and `Real Steel` - were nominated for various categories. `War Horse` and `The Help` were in the fray for best film award, which went to black and white silent film `The Artist`.

`War Horse` was also nominated for sound editing, sound mixing, original score, art direction and cinematography.

While `The Help`, directed by Tate Tylor, featured in the nomination line-up for best actress (Viola Davis) and best supporting actress (Jessica Chastain and Spencer), apart from the best picture category.

Hugh Jackman-starrer sci-fi thriller `Real Steel` had one nomination for best achievement in visual effects. But the award went to `Hugo`.

Ambani, who owns a 51 percent stake at DreamWorks Studios, attended the glittering event with his partners Spielberg and Stacey Snider.

source: Zee News

India will be world's 3rd largest economy by 2030

NEW DELHI: India will be world's third largest economy by 2030 but its energy demand will slow down to 4.5 per cent, global energy giant BP plc (one of the world's leading international oil and gas companies) said today.

"By 2030 China and India will be the world's largest and third largest economies and energy consumers, jointly accounting for about 35 per cent of global population, GDP and energy demand," BP's chief economist Christof Ruhl said releasing BP's Energy Outlook 2030.

Image Credit: articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com

There would be "no surge in energy demand as India industrialises. Demand growth slows to 4.5 per cent per annum (vs. 5.5 per cent p.a. in 1999-2010) as improvements in energy efficiency partly offset the energy needs of industrialisation and infrastructure expansion."

India's dependence on imports to meet its gas needs will jump to 47 per cent by 2030 while the same for oil will grow to 91 per cent. The nation will be 40 per cent dependent on imports to meet its coal needs.

He said India remains on a lower path of energy intensity; by 2030 it consumes only about half the energy that China consumes today, at a similar income per capita level as in China today.

Over the next 20 years China and India combined account for all the net increase in global coal demand, 94 per cent of net oil demand growth, 30 per cent of gas, and 48 per cent of the net growth in non-fossil fuels.

Coal remains the main commercial fuel, but its share falls from 70 per cent to 55 per cent in China as a result of maturing industrial structure, and from 53 per cent to 50 per cent in India due to domestic resource constraints.

Oil's share is flat at 18 per cent in China and falls to 26 per cent in India, constrained by prices and growing import dependency. Gas gains market share along with nuclear and renewables in both countries, BP said.

In India, the share of industry continues to grow, as infrastructure development catches up and manufacturing expands to absorb a growing labour force, but it never reaches the Chinese level. "India therefore remains significantly less energy intensive, with a relatively high share of the service sector in GDP."

source: Times of India

NBA All-Star Game 2012: Kevin Durant Wins MVP As Kobe Bryant Breaks Michael Jordan's Record

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Kevin and Kobe show won it for the West at the NBA All-Star game, holding off LeBron James at the end.

They got an MVP and a scoring record, too.

Bryant scored 27 points, moving past Michael Jordan as the career scoring leader in the game, Kevin Durant had 36 in an MVP performance, and the Western Conference held on for a 152-149 victory over the East on Sunday night.

James and the East cut a 21-point deficit to one in the closing seconds, but weren't able to move in front. James had 36 points and fellow Heat star Dwyane Wade finished with a triple-double.

"With all these great players on the floor, you never know what will happen. Guys making big shots and they cut it down to one. We were up 18 (at halftime)," Durant said.

"It was fun. That's the type of All-Star game you want to see."

Image Credit: Getty

Blake Griffin scored 22 points for the West, which rang up 89 points in the first half, setting an All-Star record. But he won the game with his defense, picking off James' pass when the East had a chance to tie in the final seconds.

"I can't turn the ball over like that," James said. "I let my team down, but overall it was a great weekend."
Griffin then hit one free throw with 1.1 seconds left, and Wade was off on a 3-point attempt from the corner. He finished with 24 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists, joining Jordan and James as the only players with All-Star game triple-doubles.

Durant was the MVP, leaving Bryant tied for the All-Star record with his four. But he got a bigger mark in his 13th All-Star game.

He broke Jordan's record of 262 points on a dunk with 4:57 left in the third quarter and now has 271 for his career. He entered with 244 and passed Oscar Robertson (246 points) and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (251) earlier in the game.

It nearly wasn't enough, as the East's comeback had the crowd filled with entertainers and athletes chanting for defense – never a part of the All-Star game vocabulary – in the final seconds.

With Bryant covering him, James hit two long 3-pointers in the final period, and the East had a chance when Bryant, with the crowd loudly booing, missed a free throw with 18 seconds left and the West up 151-149.
"Just being a competitor," James said. "They pretty much beat us up all game so we just wanted to make a game of it."

But New Jersey's Deron Williams was short on a 3-pointer, and after the East came up with it, James fired a pass into a crowd that Griffin intercepted.

On a colorful night in Orlando, from pregame performer Nicki Minaj's pink and green hair to the neon sneakers many of the stars wore, Dwight Howard had nine points and 10 rebounds as the game's host.

The NBA's first All-Star game in Orlando in 20 years wasn't close after 2 1/2 quarters. But players always say it gets competitive in the final five minutes, and James was again up for the challenge.

He hiked his scoring average to 25.9 points over his eight All-Star games, and someday he'll probably take the record Bryant set Sunday.

But he couldn't quite catch Kobe in the game.

With the 2-year-old Amway Center considered by many the finest arena in the league, the NBA brought its midseason showcase back to Orlando for the first time since the memorable 1992 game, when Magic Johnson was MVP three months after retiring from the league because of the HIV virus.

This one was once in jeopardy of being lost when the lockout lasted into late November. Without a settlement then, All-Star weekend may have been wiped out, as it was in 1999 following a work stoppage.

The party was saved.

James and Howard, wearing bright orange shoes, danced onto the stage for pregame introductions, Howard breaking into an enormous grin when fans gave him a thunderous ovation as the last All-Star introduced. He insists that he and Magic fans still have a love affair despite his trade request, understanding he still loves the city even if not his team, and urged everyone to ignore the trade talk for a weekend and have fun.

"We did it big for our city," he said in brief pregame remarks to the crowd before the game.
Then Andrew Bynum blocked his first shot attempt.

The speedy Russell Westbrook had the East looking like it was standing still late in the first half, and it was 88-69 at the break.

Howard and Derrick Rose ditched their orange sneakers in the second half – James kept his – and the East quickly got back into it, trimming 12 points off its deficit in less than 6 minutes. They even started to defend – Wade whacked Bryant so hard on a drive that the Lakers star needed a break between free throws to wipe blood from his nose before sinking it to tie Jordan.

Williams scored 20 points for the East. Carmelo Anthony had 19, and Rose finished with 14.

Kevin Love, who won the 3-point contest on Saturday, scored 17 points for the West, which has won two in a row. Chris Paul had eight points and 12 assists.

NOTES: With Bryant, Bynum, Griffin and Paul, four West starters were from Los Angeles. Bynum played only 5 1/2 minutes after a having a procedure on his knee Friday. ... Johnson came onto the court for a standing ovation following the first quarter after highlights of his 1992 performance were shown. He was part of another 20-year anniversary acknowledgement in the third quarter, joined by Olympic Dream Team teammates Chris Mullin, Clyde Drexler, Scottie Pippen and David Robinson.

Here is the video:

source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com

Iza Calzado Legging Ripped, Wardrobe Malfunctioned on ASAP 2012

Kapamilya actress Iza Calzado suffered a wardrobe malfunction when she did a split during her performance on ABS-CBN’s Sunday variety show ASAP 2012 on February 26.

Iza’s legging ripped, but, as a professional artist, she continued to perform her production number and did not mind what happened. Fortunately, the camera shots were far and most viewers were not able to notice that something went wrong with her legging.

Photo credit: @impatricksamuel

The versatile actress in her official Twitter account confirmed the incident, posting:

“Omg!!!!!!!! Major wardrobe malfunction! My leggings ripped when I did my split! Buti na lang no more lifts after :p Thankful for wide shots.”

You can watch the Iza Calzado wardrobe malfunction (legging ripped) video here.

source: CoolBuster

Oscars 2012 winners: The Artist wins big

It’s the biggest night in Hollywood as the stars troop to Hollywood and Highland Center (formerly known as Kodak Theater) for the 84th Academy Awards or the Oscars 2012 in celebration of the best films of 2011.

Oscars 2012 was hosted by actor Billy Crystal, his ninth in Academy Awards. Tom Hanks, Angelina Jolie, Halle Berry, Tom Cruise, Penelope Cruz, Jennifer Lopez, Cameron Diaz, Penelope Cruz and Emma Stone are among the presenters.

Image Credit: NextPing

We will update the complete list of Oscars 2012 winners as soon as it’s announced

Complete List of Oscars 2012 Winners:

• Best Picture: The Artist
• Best Actress: Meryl Streep, The Iron Lady
• Best Actor: Jean Dujuardin, The Artist
• Best Director: Michel Hazanavicius, The Artist
• Animated Short Film: The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore
• Documentary Short Subject: Saving Face
• Live Action Short Film: The Shore
• Original Screenplay: Midnight in Paris, Written by Woody Allen
• Adapted Screenplay: The Descendants, Screenplay by Alexander Payne, Nat Faxon and Jim Rash
• Original Song: “Man or Muppet,” The Muppets; Music and Lyric by Bret McKenzie
• Original Score: The Artist, Ludovic Bource
• Actor in a Supporting Role: Christopher Plummer, Beginners
• Visual Effects: Hugo
• Animated Feature Film: Rango
• Documentary Feature: Undefeated
• Sound Mixing: Hugo
• Sound Editing: Hugo
• Film Editing: The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
• Actress in a Supporting Role: Octavia Spencer, The Help
• Foreign Language Film: A Separation (Iran)
• Art Direction: Hugo
• Cinematography: Hugo

It’s a big night for the film “The Artist” as it grabbed the 3 major Oscars awards in Best Director, Best Actor and Best Picture categories. Veteran actress Meryl Streep had her 3rd Oscars as Best Actress in “The Iron Lady”.

Congratulations to all 2012 Oscars winners!

source: NextPing

Kenya's Kipyego wins Tokyo Marathon 2012

TOKYO — Kenya’s Michael Kipkorir Kipyego got the better of former world record holder Haile Gebrselassie of Ethiopia in the last four kilometers to win the Tokyo marathon on Sunday.

Gebrselassie was locked in a shoulder-to-shoulder battle against his compatriot and defending champion Hailu Mekonnen until the 35-km mark.

Image Credit: :asia.eurosport.com

As Mekonnen started to slow, Kipyego caught up with Gebrselassie and crossed the finishing line in 2hr 07min 37sec.

Japan’s Arata Fujiwara came second in a personal best time of 2:07:48, followed by Stephen Kiprotich of Uganda in 2:07:50.

Gebrselassie finished fourth in 2:08:17, while Mekonnen was eighth in 2:09:59.

“I’m very happy to win the Tokyo marathon at my first attempt. I never knew I would win the race until the 30-kilometer mark,” said Kipyego, 28.

In the women’s race, Atsede Habtamu of Ethiopia overtook front-running Eri Okubo of Japan after passing the 39km mark to win in 2:25:28.

Her compatriot, Yeshi Esayias, was second in 2:26:00, followed by Helena Loshanyang Kirop of Kenya in 2:26:02. Okubo finished fourth place in 2:26:08.

source: http://www.japantoday.com

Russian Povetkin retains WBA heavyweight title

The fight was scored 114-114, 116-113 and 116-112 to the Russian, but Huck produced a brave performance over the 12 rounds in Stuttgart.

Having defended his WBO cruiserweight title eight times, this was 27-year-old Huck's first fight at heavyweight.

Saturday's win leaves the 32-year-old Povetkin with a record of 24 victories, including 16 knock-outs and no defeats.

After a lively first round, Huck was warned for holding by referee Luis Pabon while Povetkin caught the Serbian-born German with two right hooks in the second.

Image Credit: http://www.thelocal.de

Povetkin landed several powerful body shots in the third as he managed to briefly pin Huck to the ropes, but the challenger landed a good right.

Huck clearly took the fourth with several shots on two separate occasions, but the challenger was again warned for a punch to the back of the head.

Huck went toe-to-toe with the champion midway through the seventh, and a clean shot to the chin had the Russian wobbling.

At the start of the eighth, Povetkin landed several good head shots of his own and when a small cut opened under Huck's left eye in the 11th, the Russian had Huck in real trouble.

Huck still managed a full shot to the face in the 12th and the challenger finished with a flurry of punches with both fighters exhausted at the final
bell.

British boxer Dereck Chisora, who caused controversy by brawling with ex-champion David Haye last weekend in Munich, returned to Germany and was ringside in Stuttgart to watch the fight.

Having lost to WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko last Saturday, Chisora remains under investigation by Munich police for his part in the brawl during the post-fight press conference at which he threatened to "shoot" Haye.

Chisora faces a hearing before the British Boxing Board of Control in London on March 14.

What do you think? Leave your comment below.

source: http://www.thelocal.de

'Luv U' pilot wins ratings game (Philippines)

MANILA, Philippines -- ABS-CBN's newest romantic comedy series “Luv U” was off to a blazing start.

According to  data from Kantar Media last February 9, “Luv U” obtained 11.9% TV rating, compared to the 9.1% rating of another teen-oriented show in the competing station.

Netizens were also captivated  by this new Kapamilya offering. On his Twitter account, the program’s lead teen actor Marco Gumabao reposted a fan message that praises his boy-next-door image a lot. “JB, I can’t get you out of my mind,” goes the fan’s t weet.

Image Credit: abs-cbn.com

Marco’s love teammate Miles Ocampo, on the other hand, also received support from her Twitter fans. “Your love team is so cute. Kilig much,” goes the tweet.

Their first ever campus tour in Ramon Magsaysay High School in Cubao, Quezon City was also well received by the students.

For this week's episode of "Luv U" on February 26, JB (Gumabao) and Boom (CJ Navato) will convince their buddy Rocky (Igiboy Flores) to visit and court Whitney (Kiray Celis) who lives with the two girls.

Rocky, however, doesn’t see Whitney as an attractive girl. That’s why he’ll imagine that Whitney is the sizzling hot Ms. Casimsiman (Bangs Garcia).

Meanwhile, Lamberto Uy Villarama University principal Spencer (Smokey Manoloto) will host a quiz bee, but something unexpected will affect the school head’s speech.

Catch “Luv U” after “ASAP 2012” on ABS-CBN. For more updates, follow @LUVUBarkada on Twitter, or like the show’s official Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/LUVUBarkada?sk=wall  

source: ABS-CBN

Singer Rihanna to buy flat in trendy Hoxton, East London

Report from  thesun.co.uk:

The singer is getting her chequebook out to buy a gaff in Hoxton, east London – Zoolander capital of the Big Smoke.

A source said: "She is in London so often she wants a base. She's scoped out a few places in and around Hoxton because she loves what the area is about.

Image Credit: http://www.ultimate-rihanna.com/

"Her London pals have been raving about it to her, saying it's one of the most interesting places in the city."
The Bizarre Caner Of The Year wouldn't be short of pals around town.

Kanye West has a studio in Clerkenwell, north London, and Kate Moss is her new best pal after a couple of tear-ups recently.

Staff at the Corinthia Hotel, over the road from Downing Street, have loved having Rihanna around.
But buying her own gaff will save a fortune on hotels. She is pictured here filming her new Sky Living series, where she is leading the hunt for an undiscovered fashion designer.

Her fee is probably enough to buy her a Hoxton tower block.

source: http://www.thesun.co.uk

VW more than doubles net profit in 2011

 VW, whose brands include Volkswagen, Audi, SEAT and Skoda, said in a statement it booked net profit of €15.799 billion ($21.2 billion) in 2011, up from €7.266 billion in 2010.

After payments to minority shareholders, the bottom-line profit stood at €15.4 billion, compared with €6.835 billion a year earlier, the auto giant said.

Operating profit raced ahead by 57.8 percent to €11.271 billion.

Image Credit: http://www.brecorder.com/

"The Volkswagen group again generated record profit in the fiscal year," the car manufacturer announced.

Deliveries to customers topped the eight-million mark for the first time, rising by 14.7 percent to 8.265 million vehicles and revenues rose by 25.6 percent to €159.34 billion.

In comparison with other automotive giants, that places VW ahead of Japan's Toyota in terms of unit sales last year, but still behind US giant General Motors, the world's biggest car maker.

VW hopes to overtake GM to fill the number one position by 2018.

In the wake of its strong performance, VW said it would pay an increased dividend of €3.00 per ordinary share and €3.06 per preference share for 2011, compared with the 2010 payout of €2.20 and €2.26 respectively.

Investors appeared unimpressed and VW shareholders were up by a modest 0.36 percent at €139.65 on the Frankfurt stock exchange, underperforming the overall market.

The figures are only preliminary and full 2011 earnings will be released at VW's annual news conference on March 12.

What do you think? Leave your comment below.

source: http://www.thelocal.de

Report: iPhone 5 may have a new dock connector

Sick of “iPad 3” rumors? Never fear, there’s also plenty of speculation about the next version of the iPhone.

Fresh off the rumor mill comes the speculation that Apple may be doing away with its familiar connector for the iPad, iPod and iPhone. According to the blog iMore, Apple is said to be mulling the switch to save more space inside of its devices, such as the next iPhone.

Image Credit: appadvice.com

If so, that’s fairly big news. Changing the dock connector would mean that, essentially, an entire industry built around iDevice accessories would become obsolete.

Apple is known for working to pack as much as it can into its cases, opting for smaller SIM cards and other design tweaks to keep its device’s profiles slim.

There’s also that story about late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs throwing a prototype iPod into an aquarium to point out what he called wasted space inside.

“Those are air bubbles,” he reportedly said. “That means there’s space in there. Make it smaller.”

That said, iMore doesn’t reveal much about where it heard this information. So, while it sounds like the new dock is in the realm of possibility, Apple fans should take this particular rumor with as much salt as they can bear.

source: http://www.washingtonpost.com

Film Independent Spirit Awards 2012: Full Winners List

Film Independent gave out its Spirit Awards for the 27th time on Saturday afternoon in Santa Monica, Calif.

While the telecast of the ceremony -- hosted by a ribald Seth Rogen -- won't happen until 10 p.m. EST on IFC (tape delaying an awards ceremony in the age of Twitter = SMART!), Moviefone is happy to pass along the winners. As you may have guessed, "The Artist" found a way to dominate, with Michelle Williams, Christopher Plummer, Shailene Woodley and "Margin Call" taking home hardware as well.

Image Credit: http://celebrity-gossip.net

Check out the full list of Spirit Award honorees below.

BEST FEATURE
50/50 Producers: Evan Goldberg, Ben Karlin, Seth Rogen
Beginners Producers: Miranda de Pencier, Lars Knudsen, Leslie Urdang, Dean Vanech, Jay Van Hoy
Drive Producers: Michel Litvak, John Palermo, Marc Platt, Gigi Pritzker, Adam Siegel
Take Shelter Producers: Tyler Davidson, Sophia Lin
WINNER: The Artist Producer: Thomas Langmann
The Descendants Producers: Jim Burke, Alexander Payne, Jim Taylor

BEST DIRECTOR
WINNER: Michel Hazanavicius The Artist
Mike Mills Beginners
Jeff Nichols Take Shelter
Alexander Payne The Descendants
Nicolas Winding Refn Drive

BEST SCREENPLAY
Joseph Cedar Footnote
Michel Hazanavicius The Artist
Tom McCarthy Win Win
Mike Mills Beginners
WINNER: Alexander Payne, Nat Faxon, Jim Rash The Descendants

BEST FIRST FEATURE
Another Earth Director: Mike Cahill
Producers: Mike Cahill, Hunter Gray, Brit Marling, Nicholas Shumaker
In the Family Director: Patrick Wang
Producers: Robert Tonino, Andrew van den Houten, Patrick Wang
WINNER: Margin Call Director: J.C. Chandor
Producers: Robert Ogden Barnum, Michael Benaroya, Neal Dodson, Joe Jenckes, Corey Moosa, Zachary Quinto
Martha Marcy May Marlene Director: Sean Durkin
Producers: Antonio Campos, Patrick Cunningham, Chris Maybach, Josh Mond
Natural Selection Director: Robbie Pickering
Producers: Brion Hambel, Paul Jensen

BEST FIRST SCREENPLAY
Mike Cahill, Brit Marling Another Earth
J.C. Chandor Margin Call
Patrick deWitt Terri
Phil Johnston Cedar Rapids
WINNER: Will Reiser 50/50

JOHN CASSAVETES AWARD
Bellflower Writer/Director: Evan Glodell
Producers: Evan Glodell, Vincent Grashaw
Circumstance Writer/Director: Maryam Keshavarz
Producers: Karin Chien, Maryam Keshavarz, Melissa M. Lee
Hello Lonesome Writer/Director/Producer: Adam Reid
WINNER: Pariah Writer/Director: Dee Rees
Producer: Nekisa Cooper
The Dynamiter Writer: Brad Inglesby
Director: Matthew Gordon
Producers: Kevin Abrams, Matthew Gordon, Merilee Holt, Art Jones, Mike Jones, Nate Tuck, Amile Wilson

BEST FEMALE LEAD
Lauren Ambrose Think of Me
Rachael Harris Natural Selection
Adepero Oduye Pariah
Elizabeth Olsen Martha Marcy May Marlene
WINNER: Michelle Williams My Week with Marilyn

BEST MALE LEAD
Demián Bichir A Better Life
WINNER: Jean Dujardin The Artist
Ryan Gosling Drive
Woody Harrelson Rampart
Michael Shannon Take Shelter

BEST SUPPORTING FEMALE
Jessica Chastain Take Shelter
Anjelica Huston 50/50
Janet McTeer Albert Nobbs
Harmony Santana Gun Hill Road
WINNER: Shailene Woodley The Descendants

BEST SUPPORTING MALE
Albert Brooks Drive
John Hawkes Martha Marcy May Marlene
WINNER: Christopher Plummer Beginners
John C. Reilly Cedar Rapids
Corey Stoll Midnight in Paris

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Joel Hodge Bellflower
Benjamin Kasulke The Off Hours
Darius Khondji Midnight in Paris
WINNER: Guillaume Schiffman The Artist
Jeffrey Waldron The Dynamiter

BEST DOCUMENTARY
An African Election Director/Producer: Jarreth Merz
Bill Cunningham New York Director: Richard Press
Producer: Philip Gefter
WINNER: The Interrupters Director/Producer: Steve James
Producer: Alex Kotlowitz
The Redemption of General Butt Naked Director/Producers: Eric Strauss, Daniele Anastasion
We Were Here Director/Producer: David Weissman

BEST INTERNATIONAL FILM
WINNER: A Separation
(Iran) Director: Asghar Farhadi
Melancholia
(Denmark/Sweden/France/Germany) Director: Lars von Trier
Shame
(UK) Director: Steve McQueen
The Kid With a Bike
(Belgium/France/Italy) Directors: Jean-Pierre Dardenne, Luc Dardenne
Tyrannosaur
(UK) Director: Paddy Considine

PIAGET PRODUCERS AWARD
Chad Burris Mosquita y Mari
WINNER: Sophia Lin Take Shelter
Josh Mond Martha Marcy May Marlene

SOMEONE TO WATCH AWARD
Simon Arthur Silver Tongues
WINNER: Mark Jackson Without
Nicholas Ozeki Mamitas

TRUER THAN FICTION AWARD
WINNER: Where Soldiers Come From
Hell and Back Again
Bombay Beach

ROBERT ALTMAN AWARD
WINNER: Margin Call Director: J.C. Chandor
Casting Director: Tiffany Little Canfield, Bernard Telsey
Ensemble Cast: Penn Badgley, Simon Baker, Paul Bettany, Jeremy Irons, Mary McDonnell, Demi Moore, Zachary Quinto, Kevin Spacey, Stanley Tucci

 source: HuffingtonPost

Now, women can retain their maiden name (India)

MUMBAI: Women in Maharashtra have another reason to celebrate as International Women's Day approaches.

It is now perfectly legal for a woman to retain her maiden name after marriage. The Bombay high court recently amended a crucial rule under the Family Courts Act to prevent a woman from being compelled to file any marriage-related proceedings only in her husband's surname, thus offering relief to many seeking a divorce. It will also help a married woman file proceedings in other courts under her maiden name, say legal experts. 

Image Credit: weddingbycolor.com

The radical rule says that "a wife who has not changed her name after marriage, by publishing in the official gazette, may continue to use her maiden name". The law is clear now: a woman is not obliged to take her husband's name after marriage.

A woman can file proceedings either in her maiden name or another name she may have adopted as long as it is officially registered in the gazette. If she retains her maiden name, a woman cannot be forced by a court to write her name as her first name followed by her husband's first name and his surname while making a marriage-related petition.

Flavia Agnes of the women's rights activist group Majlis, whose efforts led to this change, sees the amendment as a "progressive new addition to the law for women". Majlis' efforts ensured that a woman can continue to use her maiden name and surname if she so desires after marriage for all official purposes. She is not bound to use her husband's name and can initiate proceedings in any court using her maiden name. The 'after divorce' status, meanwhile, does not force a woman to revert to her maiden surname if she had been using her husband's surname all through the marriage. She can continue with the ex-husband's surname, unless her intention is to defraud him, as was held by the Supreme Court.

Unknown to even lawyers, the new law stands published in the state gazette since last November, after the Bombay high court amended a crucial rule under the Family Courts Act in September 2011.

The law has been hailed by women's rights activists and lawyers. "A woman cannot be compelled while seeking divorce to adopt her married surname if she hadn't been using it, just as she cannot be compelled to drop her married name and revert to maiden surname after divorce, if she had been," said a lawyer.

"Prior to the amendment, the Bandra family court staff would not accept divorce or related applications from hundreds of women until they added the first name of their estranged husband as their middle name, and also his surname," said Agnes. The court staff would compel the quarrelling couple to bear only one surname-the husband's-in the court case to be filed.

A year ago, Majlis took up the cause with the Bombay high court because it supervises functioning of all lower courts. The issue, said Majlis, was that in Maharashtra, many communities practised the custom of a new wife changing even her first name after marriage and adopting her husband's full name. But other communities from states across India do not usually follow this custom, though it's common for women to adopt the husband's surname.

Besides, an increasing number of urban women prefer to retain and go by their complete maiden name after marriage to preserve their individual identity. "But when they approach the family court to initiate a divorce dispute or a plea for protection from domestic violence few years later or after decades of living with their maiden name, the insistence by court staff to adopt their husband's name comes as a shock and sends their litigation-induced stress levels soaring," said a Mumbai family law lawyer.

Majlis activists said the arbitrary practice causes immense harassment to women litigants". "There is no logic in making women adopt the husband's name while seeking divorce when they hadn't used it all along," said Agnes.

The NGO informed the HC that the rigid and pervading practice of enabling a woman to file for divorce only after incorporating her husband's names was evident in appeals filed before higher courts too. The HC swung into action and its Registrar (legal & Research) informed Majlis on February 10, 2012 that it had amended the rule last September to facilitate greater freedom for women under the Family Court rules of 1988. It amended and added a proviso to Rule 5, which deals with the filing of cases in the family court.



The Law On Names

After Marriage

* A wife may continue to use her maiden name if she has not changed it officially after marriage

* A wife can file for divorce in her maiden surname; married surname; any other name she may have adopted and officially gazetted

After Divorce

* A woman can continue using her former married surname, except if her intention is to defraud the ex 

source: Times of India

Is Patti Grandidge the new girlfriend of Jericho Rosales? (Philippines)

Jericho Rosales admitted of having a girlfriend at the moment. But, he refuses to name this new girl on public. He did, however, gave clues as to the identity of the new apple of his eyes.

Interviewed by Philippine Entertainment Portal (PEP), Rosales gave the first clue about his girlfriend. He said that she is in the business but not an actress. She is actually a host.

Image Credit: http://www.pinoystarblog.com

 

On a second interview, still by PEP, the actor gave another clue. He named the show and station where his girlfriend is currently hosting. It is in the ETC network in a fashion lifestyle show, Etcetera. He also said that she is Pinay and is very cheerful. Also, Rosales said that they have a common interest: surfing.
 
 The said show only has 2 hosts: Patti Grandidge and Kim Jones. Kim Jones is only 1/4 Pinay which only left Grandidge in the equation.

Images Credit: IamJammed

So is she Rosales’ mysterious new girl?

  

Who is Patti Grandidge?
Patti Grandidge is a 24-year old stunning commercial model whose first experience in hosting was at Etcetera. She has done Sunsilk in 2005 and Globe.

Grandidge own a cupcake business, the Sweet Patti Cakes, which is currently blooming.

She also maintains a food blog which showcases her natural interest in foods and baking. She loves baking and traveling the most.

source: IamJammed

NASCAR: James Buescher wins Nationwide race 2012 at Daytona

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- James Buescher couldn't find a drafting partner on the final lap of Saturday's Drive 4COPD 300 Nationwide Series race.

It was the best thing that could have happened to him.

Buescher, who was running 11th going into turn four, took advantage of a chain-reaction wreck that took out the leaders - including Kyle Busch, Kurt Busch, Joey Logano, Trevor Bayne, Tony Stewart, Elliott Sadler and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. - hugged the yellow line under caution and coasted to victory at Daytona International Speedway for the first Nationwide Series win of his career.

Image Credit: autoweek.com

Brad Keselowski avoided the collisions and finished second, while Sadler, who had been pushing Stewart, was third.

"Nobody wanted to work with me at the end there," said Buescher, 21, and a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series regular. "It was like we were all on our own in a tandem draft. We just got the best draft we could off of everybody. I saw them get together up there … I went to the bottom and somehow squeaked through and dodged all the bullets."

The field was frozen after the caution came out, and Buescher wasn't sure he had won after leading his only lap of the race. Or quarter-lap to be precise.

"It's hard to describe the feeling when you make it through the wreck and you're the only guy," he said. "You don't see anybody in front of you coming to the checkered flag. It's pretty incredible."

The race was marred by several big wrecks as drivers learned to cope with the new rules packages designed to encourage pack racing instead of tandem racing on the restrictor-plate, superspeedway.

The big one came on lap 104 of the 120-lap race when 20 cars were involved; and a 14-car pileup ensued a lap later. Pole-sitter Danica Patrick was knocked off the track after a shove from Cole Whitt, her teammate at JR Motorsports, sending Patrick into the wall and consigning her to a 38th-place finish.

The Busch brothers appeared on the brink of a 1-2 finish when Logano, being pushed by Bayne, made his move on the Busches, triggering the late collision.

That allowed Buescher, who finished 17th in the trucks race on Friday night and was third in the trucks series last year, to post his first victory since winning back-to-back ARCA wins at Daytona and Kentucky in 2009.
"It's been a while, but I can't think of another racetrack that I'd rather it be at," Buescher said. "Daytona is historical. Everybody knows that. Every driver dreams of winning here.

"My goal as a young driver was to be able to race at Daytona in NASCAR. I've done that several times, but now we finally won here. I don't know how to put it in words."

source: http://www.sacbee.com

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/02/25/4291167/buescher-a-surprise-winner-in.html#storylink=cpy

Derek Ramsay to transfer to TV5? (Philippines)

Kapamilya actor Derek Ramsay admitted in various interviews that he has a standing offer from the Kapatid network TV5, expressing disappointments to his mother network, ABS-CBN. His contract with the Kapamilya network will expire this February. The hunk actor said in an interview with Manila Standard Today that the only thing that is stopping him from signing up with the Manny V. Pangilinan media outfit is the promise of ABS-CBN big bosses to talk with his parents, whom he gives his utmost respect. But he believes that even after his parents talked to the big guns of the Kapamilya network, their decision would be the same. And that is to give them the blessings to go and seek a place where he can be happier.

Image Credit: jmthebest.com

“I am giving them this last chance,” Derek said with a tinge of disappointment. “I had been very cooperative with them since day one, yet I didn’t feel the network needed me that bad,” said the actor.

Rumors have it that he is slated to host the Pinoy version of ‘Temptation Island: Dare to Win’, which will soon air on TV5.

source: IamJammed

National League MVP : Ryan Braun blames media for 'nightmare'

The National League MVP reports to spring training and declares he has been vindicated after his 50-game suspension for a positive drug test was overturned.

Saying "my name has been dragged through the mud," National League most valuable player Ryan Braun reported to spring training with the Milwaukee Brewers in Phoenix on Friday and declared he had been vindicated, a day after his 50-game suspension for a positive drug test was overturned by an arbitrator.

Image Credit: http://www.latimes.com

Braun's teammates sat in the stands, in uniform, as he held a news conference on the field at the team's training complex. Braun said that, since what was supposed to be a confidential appeal was played out in public, "I've lived this nightmare every day for the last four months."

Braun detailed how the urine sample he provided on Oct. 1, the day the Brewers opened the playoffs, was not delivered to FedEx until Oct. 3. Baseball's drug agreement calls for samples to be delivered to FedEx on the day they are collected.

"At the end of the day the truth prevailed," he said. "I'm a victim of a process that completely broke down and failed in the way that it was applied to me in the case. As players, we're held to a standard of 100% perfection regarding the program, and everybody else associated with that program should be held to the same standard. We're a part of a process where you're 100% guilty until proven innocent. It's the opposite of the American judicial system."

Braun learned Oct. 19 his sample was positive for elevated testosterone, which he said was at a ratio that was the highest ever recorded in baseball's testing program.

ESPN reported the positive test in December.

"I tried to handle the entire situation with honor, with integrity, with class, with dignity and with professionalism because that's who I am and that's how I've always lived my life," he said. "If I had done this intentionally or unintentionally, I'd be the first one to step up and I say I did it. By no means am I perfect, but if I've ever made any mistakes in my life, I've taken responsibility for my actions. I truly believe in my heart and I would bet my life that the substance never entered my body at any point."

He criticized the media for leaking the positive test, saying there had been "many inaccurate, erroneous, incomplete and fabricated stories."
 

 source: http://www.latimes.com

J.K. Rowling New Book Grows Up with Little, Brown and Company

After a five year writing hiatus, JK Rowling, author of the wildly successful Harry Potter series, has returned to put pen to paper once again. Booksellers up and down the country will be rejoicing as Rowling has confirmed she has plans to write a new novel. Unfortunately for Potter fans, this new book will not be a continuation of the series, this time it will be for adults.

Image Credit: http://www.boomtron.com

To mark her return to writing, Rowling has not only entered new territory with an adult book, but she has also changed her publisher. According to New York Times Rowling has moved away from Bloomsbury in the UK and Scholastic in the U.S and has joined forces with Little, Brown which will cover the UK and the U.S publishing for her new novel. Little, Brown Publisher David Shelley said of Rowling, “She is one of the best storytellers in the world…I am looking forward enormously to helping bring her new novel for adults to her fans and admirers, and to introducing her writing to new readers the world over.”

When talking about her her new book and her return to the writing world Rowling said, “Although I’ve enjoyed writing it every bit as much, my next book will be very different to the Harry Potter series, which has been published so brilliantly by Bloomsbury and my other publishers around the world. The freedom to explore new territory is a gift that Harry’s success has brought me, and with that new territory it seemed a logical progression to have a new publisher. I am delighted to have a second publishing home in Little, Brown, and a publishing team that will be a great partner in this new phase of my writing life.”

Although author and publisher are staying tight lipped about the title, release date and the genre of the new book, it will no doubt be a best seller. However, the transition from kids books to adult books can be difficult even for established writers – or self made billionaire writers. For example, Margaret Wise Brown the author of the classic Good Night Moon tried for years to write stories for The New Yorker. Will the same fate befall Rowling as she makes the move to adult books?

Rowling fans have been thirsting for more from the author ever since the Harry Potter series ended in 2007.

Aside from The Tales of Beedle the Bard which published in 2007 as well, the ink has been dry for the author. Fans won’t have to wait too long to know more about the novel though as an announcement for the details of Rowling’s new book should be made later this year. And unlike having to wait for the Harry Potter e-books to come out with the deployment of Pottermore, when her new novel debuts the e-books will come out at the exact same time.

source: http://www.boomtron.com

DLSU Lady Spikers wins over ADMU Lady Eagles in UAAP Season 74 Volleyball Women Finals Game 2 (Philippines)

Rival universities, Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University, faced off in a volleyball match in the UAAP Season 74 Volleyball Women Finals Game 2. It definitely became a tending topics to both students and mere-fans of the 2 universities alike.  Also, 6 spot among the Twitter Trending Topics were occupied by the game: “Allysa Valdez”, “Go Ateneo”, “Game 2″, “Ara Galang”, “Michele Gumabao” and “Mika Reyes”.

Image Credit: Iamjammed

ADMU Lady Eagles won the 1st set of the game but the DLSU Lady spikers get back by winning the 2nd through 4th set, making them the winner for this game.

Here is the scores of the game:

(DLSU-ADMU)
Set 1: 23-25
Set 2: 25-21
Set 3: 26-24
Set 4: 25-18

Michele Gumabao of DLSU Lady Spikers was named the Player of the Game, with her 18 points (12 attacks, 5 blocks, 1 ace).

DLSU Lady Spikers are a win away from bagging the championship. The 2 teams are set to compete for Game 3 on  February 29, 2PM at The Arena.

source: IamJammed

High gas prices: Are traders to blame?

(MoneyWatch)  Record-high gas prices have been blamed on unrest in the Middle East, a pickup in the economy and rising demand from China and India. President Barack Obama is confronting Americans' anxiety over rising gasoline prices by drawing attention to his energy policies and taking credit for increased oil and gas production, a greater mix of energy sources and decreased consumption.

Image Credit: CBS News

But it appears rising gas prices are mostly due to the work of Wall Street speculators and traders -- not any increase in demand, according to a new report from Yardeni Research.

Mr. Obama is heading to Florida on Thursday to promote an energy strategy that the administration says will reduce dependence on foreign oil in the long term. But the president's pitch will also have a subtext: That the federal government can do little to halt the current rise in gasoline prices.



Obama to address gas prices, pitch energy policy
Oil prices hit 150-year high
Q&A: What the Dow numbers really mean

That certainly appears to be the case, according to economist Ed Yardeni, president of Yardeni Research. Oil futures traded on the New York Mercantile Exchange have leaped above $106 a barrel. The current national average for a gallon of regular gas stands at $3.61, up from $3.19 a year ago, according to AAA's fuel gauge report. That's the highest price at the pump ever for this time of year.

But speculators in the gas futures markets are largely to blame, according to Yardeni, not demand. "Large speculators and small traders were net long a record 101,926 [gas futures] contracts on February 14," Yardeni writes in a note to clients.

Since each contract is for 42,000 gallons, or 1,000 barrels, of gas, and gasoline inventories in the U.S. stood at 232 million barrels, "speculators and traders, in effect, held a record 43.8 percent of U.S. inventories," Yardeni says.

The economist says speculators must be betting that the confrontation with Iran will worsen, pushing gas prices still higher. "They certainly can't be betting on strong U.S. demand for gasoline," says Yardeni. Over the past year, gas usage fell to its lowest since Nov. 28, 2003.

"Americans are driving less and driving in more fuel efficient vehicles," Yardeni writes. See the chart of gas supplies vs. vehicle miles driven, courtesy of Yardeni Research, below:

Image Credit: Yardeni Research

 source: www.cbsnews.com/
4TE5GPRSQARB

New Facebook Privacy in Demand: Users Don't Want You Prying

Mark Zuckerberg asserted two years ago that privacy had become obsolete. We've entered a new age, he declared, where people are willing to share more, with more people.

"People have really gotten comfortable not only sharing more information and different kinds, but more openly and with more people," Zuckerberg said in 2010. "That social norm is just something that has evolved over time."
sent

Not so fast. There's no denying we share on social networks, posting everything from what we eat to who we're engaged to, but privacy isn't extinct or close to it.

Image Credit: Getty Image

Two new studies suggest people on Facebook are pushing back against the share-all culture and stepping up the ways they protect their personal information from strangers. It looks like private is the new public.

Researchers at Polytechnic Institute of New York University tracked the privacy settings of 1.4 million Facebook profiles belonging to New Yorkers over a 15-month period between March 2010 and June 2011.

They found a "dramatic decrease in the amount of information Facebook users reveal about themselves to the general public" and the authors concluded that the users became "dramatically more private" during the period, according to their report.

Over the same period, users stepped up the frequency with which they hid personal details in their public profiles, which are visible to anyone on Facebook, a friend or otherwise. To measure this, the researchers tracked nine characteristics often included on public profiles -- "friend lists, age, high-school name and graduation year, network, relationship, gender, interested in, hometown and current city" -- and monitored whether members shared fewer details over time.

They did: People wanted less personal information shared publicly, and the share of users who hid all nine attributes from their profiles more than doubled from 12.3 percent to 33 percent between 2010 and 2011. The share of users who hid their friend lists more than tripled during the 15 months, increasing from 17.2 percent of users to 52.6 percent.

"This is a large shift, especially if we consider that Facebook changed its default settings to disclose more information during this period," the researchers noted in their report, titled "Facebook Users Have Become Much More Private: A Large-Scale Study."

The Pew Internet and American Life Project also found that social networking users are taking greater care to manage their reputations and control their privacy online.

The two-year period between 2009 and 2011 witnessed an increase in the number of people who said they had untagged photos of themselves (37 percent in 2011, up from 30 percent in 2009), deleted comments about themselves (44 percent, up from 36 percent), or unfriended individuals (63 percent, up from 56 percent).
Both studies found women were more proactive about protecting their personal information than men. Sixty-seven percent of women on social networks limit their profiles to their friends, while just 48 percent of men do the same, noted Pew.

The data used in the NYU-Poly study was collected before a few important changes to Facebook's site, including the launch of simplified, inline privacy controls in August 2011 and the launch last fall of "frictionless" apps that allow users to instantly and seamlessly broadcast any action they take on a third-party app.

NYU-Poly computer science professor Keith Ross, who co-authored the study, noted that he and his colleagues are doing additional research to see whether the move toward more closed-off public profiles will continue.

Ross also predicted that as public profiles become more restricted, users may have more difficulty meeting new people or reconnecting with acquaintances.

"As people become more private in their public profiles and people are more privacy conscious, it's going to be harder for people to discover each other," said Ross.

These statistics paint social networkers as an increasingly privacy-savvy group of individuals who are concerned about who sees what details about them online and are taking steps to protect themselves.

There's an important distinction to be made between oversharing and not caring. It's true that users bombard their friends with mundane details about their snacks, runs, burps and buys. But that's when they know their audience -- not when they're addressing the world at large. We're less inclined to broadcast our status updates to strangers or reveal intimate details to the unknown, and social media companies would be wise to take note of just how far social norms have -- and haven't -- evolved.

source: www.huffingtonpost.com
4TE5GPRSQARB

Nike Foamposite Galaxy shoe spurs frenzy at malls

Sneaker fanatics who lined up outside stores overnight got their first crack Friday at a new outer-space themed Nike basketball shoe, getting so unruly in some cities that police were called to restore order.

In Orlando, more than 100 deputies in riot gear quelled a crowd awaiting the release of the $220 Foamposite Galaxy. At a mall in Hyattsville, Md., one person was arrested for disorderly conduct. And in Greenwood, Ind., police said they canceled a Nike release after 400 to 600 people showed up Thursday night at a mall and were "panicking to get to the front of the line." The shoe's release coincides with this weekend's NBA All-Star Game in Orlando.

Image Credit: http://www.sfgate.com

The shoes, part of a space-themed collection, are a draw for so-called sneakerheads who collect signature sports footgear and then resell it online at a marked-up price, sometimes for hundreds more than retail.
Malls in Florida, New York and Maryland reported bringing in police to manage fans clamoring for the purple-and-blue shoes, which have starlike flecks of white. Some shoppers lucky enough to get their hands on a pair immediately posted them for sale on eBay at skyrocketing prices: $1,000 and up.

Authorities did have some warning the shoe could cause mayhem. Earlier this month, police were called to a mall outside Albany after pushing and shoving broke out during a promotional event for the shoe.

Orlando resident Gaby Llanos was in the crowd waiting to buy two pairs of the shoes when the rush started outside Florida Mall.

"It was complete havoc," said Llanos, 23.

Nike issued a statement Friday, saying, "As with the launch of all Nike products, consumer safety and security is of paramount importance. We encourage anyone wishing to purchase our product to do so in a respectful and safe manner."

The shoes - which are being sold at Nike stores and select Foot Lockers, House of Hoops and Foot Action stores - are part of the Nike's Foamposite line which originally debuted in 1998. Their outer-space theme is a nod to Florida, the host state for the All-Star game, and the longtime launching pad for the nation's space program.

Nike has relied for years on its limited edition sneakers to generate a lot of buzz with minimal advertising.
"They keep them very limited, they keep them very hot that way," said Sam Poser, an analyst who covers Nike and the shoe industry.

source: http://www.sfgate.com

Jennifer Aniston gets own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Jennifer Aniston, who is best remembered for playing Rachel Green on the television sitcom ‘Friends’ and for the 2003 film ‘Bruce Almighty’, was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Wednesday, February 22, 2012.

Aside from Aniston, some of the celebrities who get stars in 2012 for their work in movies, television, radio, and music include Vin Diesel, Scarlett Johansson, Adam West, Richard Burton, Kate Winslet, David Foster, Jennifer Lopez and Boyz II Men.

Image Credit: http://i.i.com.com

Speaking to reporters after the ceremony, the 43-year-old actress/director/producer admitted that she was “extremely flattered, humbled, nervous and excited” to have received such a recognition.

“It feels very surreal to be honest. I was born here and it’s sort of something you went and saw as a kid and got excited about just walking and seeing the names. To imagine that you’re going to be there is really special. It’s fun,” she added.

According to its official website, the Hollywood Walk of Fame is an internationally-recognized Hollywood icon. It is a tribute to all of those who worked diligently to develop the concept and to maintain a world-class tourist attraction.

source: CBS News

'Act of Valor 2012' glorifies Navy SEALs. But can they act?

Act of Valor: War movies in wartime inevitably are controversial. "Act of Valor" – the movie about US Navy SEALs – is bringing mixed reviews from professional film critics and moviegoers.

War movies in wartime – certainly since Vietnam – inevitably are controversial. John Wayne in “The Green Berets” and (ten years later) “Coming Home” with Jane Fonda come to mind. Pentagon propaganda or peacenik polemic, they are bound to generate dispute.

Image Credit: dadsbigplan.com

Then there’s the question about such films’ artistic merit as entertainment, which is what Hollywood is all about.

That question for “Act of Valor” – the war movie about US Navy SEALs, which opened this weekend – is bringing decidedly mixed reviews from professional film critics and moviegoers.

On film review aggregator “Rotten Tomatoes,” 84 percent of some 9,500 audience reviewers give "Act of Valor" at least 3.5 stars (out of 5) – basically a thumbs-up. But only 26 percent of 76 “Approved Tomatometer Critics” – those who write for newspapers, magazines, and broadcast outlets – give “Act of Valor” a positive review. The figure is even lower for those 27 reviewers the website designates “Top Critics” – just 19 percent.

Think you're a film buff? Take our movie trivia quiz!

The problem for many reviewers is the casting – actual Navy SEALs playing themselves. They may be highly-focused and genuinely heroic – nailing Osama bin Laden and rescuing people captured by pirates – but these are not drama school grads, and apparently it shows.

“Employing Navy troops as stars is a clever idea for an action thriller,” writes Claudia Puig of USA Today. “But the soldiers' awkward line readings are glaring enough to distract from the potency of the story.” (As a former naval officer, I must note that referring to Navy sailors as “soldiers” may be a keel-hauling offense.)
Robert Koehler at Variety calls it “a mechanically efficient yet soulless dramatization of the US Navy SEALs in action.”

The Monitor’s Peter Rainer gives “Act of Valor” a so-so C+.

“The movie is essentially a series of reasonably good action sequences,” Rainer writes. “The bad guys, who specialize in funny beards, funny accents, and shaved heads, would feel right at home in an ‘Austin Powers’ movie.”

 But of the warriors-turned-actors, he writes, “the SEALs here have been encouraged by their directors … to be as blandly stalwart as any garden-variety Hollywood counterpart.”

“Top Critic” Chris Vognar of the Dallas Morning News gives “Act of Valor” a thumbs-up B. But he also notes that “the movie doesn't pretend to be anything but propaganda, a modern-day cousin to the morale-boosting documentaries made by John Huston and Frank Capra during World War II.”

Kenneth Turan, who reviews movies for the Los Angeles Times and NPR, agrees with those put off by the acting ability of real-life SEALs.

But he also concedes that “given how hot, hot, hot SEALs have become after their role in the death of Osama bin Laden, the opportunity to see the genuine article in action rather than the likes of Demi Moore (‘G.I. Jane’) or Bruce Willis (‘Tears of the Sun’) is to a certain extent irresistible.”

“It still has some of that promotional film feeling to it, plus a healthy dose of worshipful mythologizing,” Turan writes. “But, frankly, once you see the SEALs in action, you may feel that a certain amount of lionizing is in order.”

There are better movies featuring US Special Forces portrayed by Hollywood actors. “Blackhawk Down” and “Clear and Present Danger” come to mind.

Rotten Tomatoes sums up its review of “Act of Valor” this way: “It's undeniably reverent of the real-life heroes in its cast, but Act of Valor lets them down with a clichéd script, stilted acting, and a jingoistic attitude that ignores the complexities of war.”
Or as the disabled Vietnam vet played by Jon Voight in “Coming Home” tells a group of high school students, “I'm telling you it ain't like it's in the movies.”

Think you're a film buff? Take our movie trivia quiz!

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 source: http://www.csmonitor.com

Blockbuster Hollywood Movie Review 2012 : 'Act of Valor' starts at No. 1

Relativity Media's Navy SEALs action pic Act of Valor--one of the most unusual movie projects in Hollywood's history--is off to a strong start at the domestic box office, where it could earn $9 million to $10 million on Friday alone.

Friday afternoon returns show Act of Valor doing especially well in the Southeast, Southwest and West, regions rife with military bases.

Image Credit: screenrant.com

Males are most interested in seeing the movie, a demo that Relativity has aggressively gone after. The company hasn't excluded women, however, and has held a total of 415 screenings across the country, particularly in locations where there is a strong military presence. Another factor in the film's favor is its ethnically diverse cast.

Relativity also partnered with two military charities and built its online campaign around thanking SEALs for their service. The movie was screened at the White House in January, prompting President Obama to proclaim: "These are my guys," referring to the SEALs, who have been in the national spotlight since the death of Osama bin Laden.

Act of Valor is one of four new movies opening this weekend.

Tyler Perry's romantic drama Good Deeds, from Lionsgate, could gross $6 milion on Friday for a opening in the $15 million to $16 million range.

The news isn't so bright for Amanda Seyfried thriller Gone, from Summit Entertainment, and R-rated Paul Rudd-Jennifer Aniston comedy Wanderlust, from Universal.

Wanderlust, costing north of $30 million, reteams Role Models director David Wain with Rudd, who is a writer and producer on the new comedy, about an overstressed Manhattan couple who find a new way of life at a pastoral shared community. Relativity Media is a partner on the movie, which may only open in the $7 million to $8 million range.

Summit is releasing Gone for Lakeshore Entertainment and Sidney Kimmel, and has a net risk of $2 million on the pic. The marketing campaign for the thriller has targeted young girls. Early returns show the film grossing in the $4 million to $6 million range.

source: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com